How to fix the raw smell of undercooked tomato paste?

Question

Learn how to cook out acidity and raw aroma from tomato bases.

Answer 1

To fix the raw smell of undercooked tomato paste, cook it longer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it darkens slightly and the raw smell disappears. Adding a touch of sugar can also help balance the acidity and sweetness.

Detailed Explanation:

Undercooked tomato paste often has a sharp, raw smell and taste due to the presence of certain compounds that haven't been properly broken down through heat. The cooking process caramelizes the sugars in the tomato paste, developing a richer, sweeter flavor and eliminating the unpleasant raw aroma. Here's how to fix it:

1. Return to the Pan: If you've already added the tomato paste to your dish, continue cooking the entire dish over medium heat.

2. Cook it Out: If you haven't added it yet, place the tomato paste in a pan over medium heat with a little oil or butter.

3. Stir Frequently: Stir the tomato paste constantly to prevent it from burning and to ensure even cooking.

4. Observe the Color: Cook until the tomato paste darkens slightly in color. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes.

5. Smell Test: The raw smell should dissipate and be replaced by a richer, more caramelized aroma.

6. Add a Touch of Sugar (Optional): A pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity and enhance the sweetness, further improving the flavor.

7. Incorporate into Dish: Once the tomato paste is properly cooked, incorporate it into your recipe as directed.

Pro Tip:

Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the tomato paste. Using a pan that's too small can lead to steaming instead of caramelization, which won't eliminate the raw smell effectively. Use a pan large enough to spread the tomato paste in a thin layer.